The next football innovation keeps head in the game

9:39 AM,
Jul. 31, 2013

University of South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney runs a drill during spring practice while wearing the Guardian Cap. The padded shells, made of polyurethane fabric, are designed to fit over helmets and reduce impacts to the head.

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USA Today / Gannett

When the University of South Carolina opens preseason football practice Friday night, the plan is to have the Gamecocks, including defensive star Jadeveon Clowney, outfitted in Guardian Caps. The padded shells, made of polyurethane fabric, are designed to fit over helmets and reduce impacts to the head.

There's controversy whether the caps violate helmet certification standards. But South Carolina tried 32 of them on linemen in the spring, liked them and bought 75 more to go team-wide for practice, says athletic trainer Clint Haggard.